On June 24, 1859, Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed the bloody battle of Solferino and San Martino. Due to the inadequate medical care and treatment of the wounded, Dunant advocated the establishment of neutral aid organizations.

The resolutions of a first international conference on October 29, 1863, which included the founding of an international relief committee and the red cross as a symbol, developed into the name International Committee of the Red Cross, which is still used today, by 1876.

One of the highest bodies of the German associations is the Presidential Council of the German Red Cross. During its meeting on April 6, 1989, the members were received in the town hall. After being welcomed by the Lord Mayor, the President and his deputy signed the city's Golden Book.